Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela has reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to working together with national government leadership in restoring governance at the Mangaung Metro Municipality.
She gave this assurance during the presentation of the budget vote on 12 April in the provincial legislature in Bloemfontein. A total of R688,782 million has been allocated for 2022-’23, some R683,065 million for 2023-’24 and R683,065 million for 2024-’25.
Ntombela’s pledge echoes the words of Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa to citizens of Mangaung during an imbizo held at the Dr R.P. Molemela Stadium on 9 April.
The national government took over administration of the municipality after the previous rescue plan had failed over the course of two years.
“We will continue to work with national government in enhancing service delivery in Mangaung,” said Ntombela.
“We started with the presidential imbizo, and we are not about to stop.
“We are working with municipalities to enhance their capacity to effectively deliver services to the people.”
The mayors of the 19 local Free State municipalities and four districts were part of the gatherings led by a delegation of ministers who criss-crossed Mangaung.
“Integrated policy implementation across the three spheres of government will continue to be embedded through the Premier’s Coordinating Forum and the President’s Coordinating Council,” said Ntombela.
“We reiterate our commitment to improving audit outcomes of the premier’s office to ensure sound financial management. All efforts will be made to prevent irregular and wasteful expenditure.
“We will work with the Office of the Auditor-General to achieve objectives and diligently implement our Audit Action Plan,” she said.
